Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Definition

A thoracic aortic aneurysm repair is a surgery to fix a problem in the aorta. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It starts at the heart and passes down through the chest and abdomen. The thoracic aorta is the part of the aorta in the chest. The aorta carries blood from the heart to blood vessels that supply the lower body.

Reasons for Procedure

An aneurysm is a weakened area of the blood vessel wall. If the aneurysm is large or continues to grow it can make the blood vessel break open. In large blood vessels, this can lead to severe bleeding. A thoracic aneurysm is a weakening of a large blood vessel in the chest called the aorta. Blood passes from the heart to the rest of the body through the aorta. A break in this blood vessel is often fatal.

Surgery may be done if there is a thoracic aortic aneurysm that is large or increasing in size.

Possible Complications

Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia, such as lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and wheezing

Stop eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your surgery.

Stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you may be taking.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block pain and keep you asleep during the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

This may be done as an open surgery or using an endovascular approach.

For the endovascular repair, a small incision will be made in your leg. A sleeve will be inserted in this incision and into the aorta. It will be advanced to the aneurysm. The sleeve will take pressure off the wall and prevent it from expanding or leaking. If you need additional heart surgery, it may be done at this time. The incision will then be closed.

In some cases, open surgery may be needed. An incision will be made in the chest. The ribs will be spread. The weakened area of the aorta will be replaced with a graft. The graft will be sewn into place. Blood will be able to flow through the graft. If you need additional heart surgery, it may be done at this time. The chest incision will then be closed with stitches or staples.

Immediately After Procedure

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room. Your heart, blood pressure and other vital signs will be monitored.

How Long Will It Take?

2-4 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You will be given pain medication to help manage pain during recovery.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 7 days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

The hospital staff may:

The hospital staff may:

Provide you with medication and nutrition through an IV.

Ask you to take deep breaths and cough to prevent mucus from collecting in your lungs.

Ask you to walk down the hall when you are able.

Ask you to drink liquids until you can tolerate more solid foods.

At Home

When you return home, take these steps:

When you return home, take these steps:

Avoid smoking.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Follow a diet that is low in fat and includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

Participate in a rehabilitation program if advised to do so by your doctor.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Irregular heartbeat

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge at the incision site

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Burning, pain, or problems when urinating

Nausea or vomiting

Unusual fatigue or depression

New, unexplained symptoms

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

If you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair. University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health website. Available at: http://www.uwhealth.org/heart-cardiovascular/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm-repair-open-surgical/11103. Accessed March 11, 2015.